BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson has confirmed that he will be inviting Italian attacker Raffaele De Vita back for pre-season training.

De Vita's current City contract expires at the end of this month but Parkinson has told the 26 year-old he can stake his claim for a new deal when the club begin their preparations for the new campaign in just under two weeks time.

De Vita featured in the Bantams' last five matches of the previous season but he was largely hampered with a hip problem from around Christmas onwards.

Parkinson says he wants to check the injury is now fine before progressing any further - but he admits that the former Swindon Town man may still move on before pre-season training rolls around.

Parkinson explained: "I've invited Raf back to do pre-season with us.

"My main concern with Raf is that he's had a hip problem for the second half of the season and, even when he has played for us, he has never been truly comfortable with it.

"I've had a chat with him and explained the situation. I told him that he needs to get his hip right first so he is able to do some training with us. He might have moved on by then to another club but the offer is there."

One player who will definitely be playing elsewhere next season is Irish defender Carl McHugh, who joined Sky Bet League 2 side Plymouth Argyle on Monday.

Parkinson added: "I spoke to Carl a couple of times over the summer and we both agreed that it was probably in his best interests to nail down a first team place somewhere.

"He has done well for us but you can only be a squad player for so long.

"While we never ruled out the possibility of Carl being part of the squad again next season, we didn't want to stand in his way if he could secure first team football at another club.

"Carlo has a great attitude and we wish him all the very best for the future - he'll do well for Plymouth."